Entertainment

Celebrity Zookeeper Jack Hanna Diagnosed With Dementia, Family Says His Health ‘Deteriorated Quickly’

(Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Safe Kids Worldwide)

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Jack Hanna’s family announced the celebrity zookeeper has been diagnosed with dementia.

Hanna will be retiring from public life due to the diagnosis, his family confirmed in a press release shared Wednesday on Twitter.

“Today we reach out to share some personal Hanna family news,” a letter signed by Hanna’s three daughters said. “Doctors have diagnosed our dad, Jack Hanna, with Dementia, now believed to be Alzheimer’s disease. His condition has progressed much faster in the last few months than any of us could have anticipated. Sadly, dad is no longer able to participate in public life as he used to, where people all over the world watched, learned and laughed alongside him.” (RELATED: Country Singer Hal Ketchum Dies At 67 From Dementia Complications)

“While dad’s health has deteriorated quickly, we can assure you that his great sense of humor continues to shine through,” the statement later added. “And yes- he still wears his khakis at home.”

Hanna was most known as the host of the show “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures” that aired from 1993 to 2008. Hanna also served as the director of the Columbus zoo and continues to serve as the director emeritus, according to the Associated Press. Hanna also appeared on late night talk shows with Johnny Carson, David Letterman and James Corden where he performed live animal demonstrations.